Ohio family speaks to dangers of social media following son’s suicide
(INDEPENDENCE, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted was joined by State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County) in Northeast Ohio today to discuss the Social Media Parental Notification Act and to hear from local Streetsboro parents, Tamia and Tim Woods, who tragically lost their 17-year-old son by suicide after he was a victim of sextortion via social media in November 2022.
The Social Media Parental Notification Act, included in the Executive Version of the State Operating Budget, is a recently introduced proposal championed by Lt. Governor Husted that would require certain online companies to obtain verifiable parental consent to contractual terms of service before permitting kids under the age of 16 to use their platforms.
Under the proposal, companies must:
Create a method to determine whether the user is a child under the age of 16
Obtain verifiable parental or legal guardian consent if the user is under the age of 16
Send written confirmation of the consent to the parent or legal guardian
“This is about protecting our children and requiring these social media companies to include parents in the decision-making before allowing kids on their platforms,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The evidence is clear that social media is a destructive force in the lives of our children, and we need to make it easier for parents to protect their children and hold social media companies more accountable for the consequences of what happens on their platforms.”
“Sextortion is a growing crisis in Ohio,” said State Representative Gail Pavliga. “It is a crime that has struck home in my district and has become all too real for families everywhere. I hope our discussion today can open a dialogue on how to educate families and prevent tragedies similar to the ones the Woods and other families have had to endure.”
Tim and Tamia Woods also participated in today’s press conference to share the story of their son, James. The family has advocated for spreading awareness about sextortion and other cybercrimes through creation of the non-profit “Do It For James Foundation” in honor of the teen’s life and to help educate others.
According to the statement released by the Streetsboro Police Department and Streetsboro City Schools where James was a student athlete, “sextortion” is an online crime that happens when an adult poses as a same-aged peer to convince a victim to share sexual pictures or perform sexual acts on camera. Shortly after losing James to suicide, the Woods family and local police discovered that hundreds of messages, over the span of nearly 20 hours, were sent to James via social media in an effort to extort him for money.
“Everyone is connected with the internet, there are good and bad things that can come from it,” said Tim and Tamia Woods. “We are here as Tim and Tamia (James Woods‘ Parents) but also as the Do It for James Foundation to help raise awareness, provide tools for students to help fight against cyber attacks and assist to provide an overall betterment for our youth.”
More information about the Social Media Parental Notification Act can be found here.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, reach out for support by calling, texting, or chatting 988 to connect with the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
For more on how Ohio is working to prevent suicide, please visit the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website: https://mha.ohio.gov/get-help/prevention-services/suicide-prevention.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Anne Vogel Testimony
This morning, Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding the State of Ohio’s response to the East Palestine train derailment.
Farmers attended a roundtable discussion hosted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) this afternoon in Salem, Ohio. The event focused on the upcoming planting season and addressed concerns about potential agricultural impacts caused by the train derailment.
ODA announced that it is currently working with The Ohio State University and agricultural partners in Columbiana County to develop a plan for the testing of milk, eggs, and plant materials.
The U.S. EPA will also oversee the process by independent contractors to begin collecting soil samples in the locations most likely to have been impacted by the derailment. This includes agricultural, residential, commercial, and recreational properties in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. The U.S. EPA will also take soil samples to confirm the accuracy of the independent contractor’s results.
Ohio Department of Agriculture meeting with area farmers.
Sulphur Run Culvert Cleaning
Independent contractors today conducted high-pressure washing in underground culverts off of Sulphur Run. The pressurized washing process removes contaminated sediment in the culverts that is contributing to indoor air odors in some area homes and businesses.
Residents in and around the area may also notice a smell from the derailment site as contractors excavate contaminated soil from underneath the railroad tracks. Norfolk Southern continues to offer temporary lodging assistance for residents of the East Palestine area within a mile of the derailment site. The relocation offer is voluntary and is being provided as an option for residents who may feel more comfortable staying elsewhere as the track work progresses. Residents can get more information by calling (800) 230-7049 or by visiting the Family Assistance Center at Abundant Life Church in New Waterford, Ohio.
Aquatic Life in Derailment Area
Wildlife officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) continue to monitor creeks and streams in the East Palestine area impacted by the train derailment. Officers are surveying the water daily for signs of aquatic life. They have observed fish in Bull Run and Little Beaver Creek. ODNR has also received reports of live fish in Leslie Run.
VIDEO: ODNR Aquatic Life Monitoring
In the initial spill, ODNR estimates approximately 38,222 minnows, ranging in size between 1 and 3 inches, were killed. ODNR also estimated the total number of other aquatic life killed as a result of the derailment, including fish, crayfish, amphibians, and macroinvertebrates to be approximately 5,500.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 4.39 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 322,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 3.75 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 320,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 2,880 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Approximately 420 tons have been hauled to Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 1,270 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 440 tons have been shipped to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Approximately 750 tons have been hauled to Heritage Environmental Services in North Roachdale, Indiana, to be placed in a landfill.
Medical Provider Webinar
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) conducted educational webinars Tuesday and Wednesday to help providers who are serving the East Palestine area address the health concerns of residents.
Presenters from ODH were Medical Director John Weigand, MD, CMD; Chief of the Bureau of Environmental Health and Radiation Protection Gene Phillips; State Epidemiologist Kristen Dickerson, Ph.D., MSN, MPH, RN, MLT (ASCP); and State Public Health Veterinarian Sara Margrey, DVM, MPH.
Also on the panel were Dr. Marek Greer, MD, MPH, FACOEM, director of occupational medicine and employee health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; and Dr. Hannah Hays, MD, medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center and a toxicologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
More than 75 providers attended the webinar in total. Topics included chemicals residents may have been exposed to, symptoms residents are reporting at the Health Assessment Clinic, guidance on treatment and testing, and lists of resources. In addition, providers were able to participate in a question-and-answer session.
Health Assessment Clinic
The Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine, operating in partnership with the Columbiana County Health District, is operating on a walk-in basis. Residents should arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure there is enough time to be served.
Clinic hours for next week are:
Monday-Tuesday: Noon to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. For information, call the Columbiana County Health District at 330-424-0272.
Resource Fair
Ohio EPA will participate in a resource fair for the community tonight from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the East Palestine School Gym, 360 West Grant Street.
The event is being held by the U.S. EPA and is an opportunity for residents to talk face-to-face with representatives from the Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Columbiana County Health District, Norfolk Southern, and Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
More Information and Previous Updates: ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office today rejected the summary of a petition seeking to add a Section 22 to Article I of the state Constitution, an amendment entitled “Protecting Ohioans’ Constitutional Rights.”
The Attorney General’s Office received the petition summary on Feb. 27, 2023.
The attorney general’s role in the petition process is to determine whether the language submitted is a fair and truthful summary of the proposed statute or constitutional amendment. The submitted petition does not meet that requirement.
A response letter sent to the petitioners says, “We identified omissions and misstatements that, as a whole, would mislead a potential signer as to the actual scope and effect of the proposed amendment.”
The petitioners were encouraged to carefully review the summary to ensure that it accurately captures the proposed amendment’s definitions, contents and limitations before they resubmit another version.
The full text of the rejection letter and the petition can be found at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Petitions.
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Share scam information with your loved ones. Slam the Scam!
Recognize the four basic signs of a scam:
Scammers pretend to be from a familiar organization or agency, like the Social Security Administration. They may email attachments with official-looking logos, seals, signatures, or pictures of employee credentials.
Scammers mention a problem or a prize. They may say your Social Security number was involved in a crime or ask for personal information to process a benefit increase.
Scammers pressure you to act immediately. They may threaten you with arrest or legal action.
Scammers tell you to pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire or money transfer, or by mailing cash. They may also tell you to transfer your money to a “safe” account.
Ignore scammers and report criminal behavior. Report Social Security-related scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Surface Water Dashboard
Ohio EPA today launched a new public dashboard to report surface water testing results from samples collected in area creeks and rivers.
The dashboard highlights the 20 surface water sampling locations along Sulphur Run, Leslie Run, Little Beaver Creek, North Fork Little Beaver Creek, and the Ohio River. Test results include readings for vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, benzene, and 2-butoxyethanol.
According to the Ohio EPA, surface water testing results generally vary between minimum chemical detections and declining contaminant levels, but residents should continue to avoid contact with the contaminated water in the derailment area near Sulphur Run.
Surface water from the aforementioned bodies of water is not the source of drinking water for municipal or private wells in the East Palestine area. Human consumption of any untreated surface water from creeks and rivers is strongly discouraged.
Health Assessment Survey Update
Headache, anxiety, coughing, fatigue/tiredness and irritation, pain, and burning of the skin continue to be the most common symptoms reported by residents in the East Palestine area who have completed an After Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey.
Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA released the initial results of these surveys last week when 168 had been completed. As of the end of day March 6, a total of 320 surveys had been completed, and the top five symptoms had not changed.
Residents complete the surveys either at the East Palestine Health Assessment Clinic operated by the Ohio Department of Health and the Columbiana County Health District or through door-to-door visits conducted by representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Health Assessment Chart
The median age of respondents is 58 and most participants are over the age of 18 (95%).
Health Department officials use the information provided to better understand how the derailment incident may be impacting residents and determine appropriate public health response.
Major Disaster Declaration Time Extension
Last week, Governor DeWine requested that FEMA issue a 120-day time extension for Ohio to request a major disaster declaration for damages occurring as a result of the East Palestine train derailment. FEMA has now approved the request. The extension will run until July 3, 2023, and will allow more time for the State of Ohio to properly assess the impacts of the incident.
Governor DeWine announced his intent to file for the extension on February 17, 2023, after determining that the East Palestine disaster did not qualify for traditional FEMA aid. This extension will help ensure that East Palestine can receive assistance from FEMA should the derailment qualify for traditional FEMA aid in the future.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 3.96 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 282,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 3.36 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 320,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 2,860 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Approximately 400 tons have been hauled to Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 1,270 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 440 tons have been shipped to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Approximately 750 tons have been hauled to Heritage Environmental Services in North Roachdale, Indiana, to be placed in a landfill.
First Responder Training Center
Earlier today, Governor DeWine announced that the Norfolk Southern Corporation has agreed to his request that the railroad improve and expand firefighter training by creating a new first responder training center and expanding its Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program, which travels the company’s 22-state network to train first responders on how to respond safely to rail incidents.
Although the Ohio Department of Agriculture currently has no reason to believe that crops planted in soil in the area of East Palestine are not safe for consumption, the agency will host a roundtable discussion with East Palestine area farmers on Thursday afternoon to discuss concerns about the upcoming planting season.
Those attending include the Columbiana County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension, OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio EPA, U.S. EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency, USDA Rural Development, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other local officials.
Members of the media that plan to attend the event must RSVP to Meghan.Harshbarger@agri.ohio.gov.
Date:
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Time:
2:00 p.m.
Location:
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Education Building
251 S. Broadway Ave.
Salem, Ohio.
Health Assessment Clinic
The Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine, operating in partnership with the Columbiana County Health District, is operating on a walk-in basis. Residents should arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure there is enough time to be served.
Clinic hours for the remainder of the week are:
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. For information, call the Columbiana County Health District at 330-424-0272.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
More Information and Previous Updates: ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Track & Soil Removal
The excavation continues under the south tracks at the derailment site. Ohio EPA reports that contractors are making good progress, and soil has been removed down to the clay in about 50 percent of the area. Once to that point, confirmation sampling is conducted to see if any contaminants remain. If contaminants are discovered, contractors will scrape away the clay until sampling comes back with no detection of contaminants.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 3.6 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 257,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 3 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 320,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 2,650 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Approximately 380 tons have been hauled to Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 1,080 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 440 tons have been shipped to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Approximately 750 tons have been hauled to Heritage Environmental Services in North Roachdale, Indiana, to be placed in a landfill.
Meeting with Farmers
Although the Ohio Department of Agriculture currently has no reason to believe that crops planted in soil in the area of East Palestine are not safe for consumption, the agency will host a roundtable discussion with East Palestine area farmers on Thursday afternoon to discuss concerns about the upcoming planting season.
Members of the media that plan to attend the event must RSVP to Meghan.Harshbarger@agri.ohio.gov.
Date:
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Time:
2:00 p.m.
Location:
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Education Building
251 S. Broadway Ave.
Salem, Ohio.
Increased Funding for Health Care Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Monday awarded $250,000 in emergency funding to the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County to help support emergency response efforts and follow-up care for people affected by the East Palestine train derailment. The funding will support key response activities, including direct health care services, patient screenings, outreach, and enrollment.
The announcement came after a conversation on Friday between HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA.
The Community Action Agency (CAA) of Columbiana County has partnered with the Ohio Department of Health and the Columbiana County Health District to support the Health Assessment Clinic for East Palestine area residents who have medical questions or concerns related to the train derailment.
CAA has deployed its mobile van to help increase capacity at the free clinic, which opened Feb. 21.
Health Assessment Clinic
The Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine now is operating on a walk-in basis. Residents should arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure there is enough time to be served.
Clinic hours for the remainder of the week are:
Wednesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. For information, call the Columbiana County Health District at 330-424-0272.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
Patrol Investigates a Pedestrian Killed in Crash on State Route 83 in Wooster Township in Wayne County
Wooster Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a one vehicle crash that occurred at 5:13 pm involving a pedestrian that was struck on State Route 83 west of US-250 in Wooster Township in Wayne County.
The crash involved a blue 2006 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Richard E. Curtiss II, 40, of Lakeville, Ohio. and a pedestrian, Louella A. Keslar 87, of Wooster, Ohio.
Initial investigation revealed Mr. Curtiss was westbound on State Route 83. Mrs. Keslar was attempting to cross the street traveling northbound on State Route 83. Mr. Curtiss’ vehicle struck Mrs. Keslar in the roadway.
Mrs. Keslar was transported by Wooster Township Fire Department to Wooster Community Hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Mr. Curtiss was uninjured from the crash.
Alcohol does not seem to be a factor in this crash. The crash remains under investigation.
Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash on State Route 83 north of Britton Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County
Canaan Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred at 3:59 p.m. on State Route 83 north of Britton Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County.
The crash involved a white 2015 Freightliner Cascadia tractor trailer driven by Jacob W. Taylor, 41, of Litchfield, Ohio and a gray 2011 Audi A4 driven by Harry D. Hall, 66, of Medina, Ohio.
Initial investigation revealed Mr. Taylor was southbound on State Route 83. Mr. Hall was traveling northbound on State Route 83. Mr. Hall’s vehicle traveled left of center striking Mr. Taylor’s vehicle head on. After impact both vehicles traveled off the west side of the roadway.
Mr. Hall was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Taylor was transported by Canaan Township Fire Department to Lodi Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol License and Commercial Standards Unit, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene.
Alcohol does not seem to be a factor in this crash. Both drivers were belted. The crash remains under investigation.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and seven other attorneys general announced two related judgments effectively shutting down a massive robocall operation that bombarded Americans with billions of illicit robocalls, including more than 69 million to Ohioans.
“Stopping annoying robocalls is a lengthy process, but this judgment is a reminder that we can cut them off,” Yost said. “There are enough distractions in life – let’s not let spam callers interrupt our lives anymore.”
In separate rulings, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas this week imposed a combined monetary judgment of $244,658,640 against John Caldwell Spiller II and his business partner, Jakob Mears. The men owned Texas-based Rising Eagle Capital Group, JSquared Telecom and Rising Eagle Capital Group-Cayman.
Because of Spiller and Mears’ inability to pay, the judgments will largely be suspended in favor of a permanent operational ban, meaning that neither can initiate or facilitate any robocalls, work for or with companies that make robocalls or engage in any telemarketing.
The court’s decision stems from a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Yost and others in June 2020 citing violations of the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, as well as various state consumer-protection laws.
The complaint alleged that Spiller and Mears used the three companies to unleash a barrage of deceptive robocalls, many of them selling bogus extended car warranties and health-care services. They also “spoofed” calls by manipulating the number that appeared on caller ID to mislead people and called millions of phone numbers on the Do Not Call list.
Specifically, between January and May of 2019 and January and March of 2020, the defendants initiated more than 69 million robocalls to phone numbers associated with Ohio area codes. Of those, roughly 32.3 million were numbers on the Do Not Call list.
Yost and the other attorneys general are continuing cases in this same litigation against Scott Shapiro, Michael Theron Smith Jr. and Health Advisors of America Inc., all of Florida. These defendants allegedly worked with Mears and Spiller to make illegal robocalls targeting people who never asked to be contacted by Health Advisors.
Joining Yost in the announcement were the attorneys general of Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota and Texas.
Consumers who receive unwanted calls can complete an Unwanted Call Notification Form at www.OhioProtects.org. That information will be shared with the Robocall Enforcement Unit, which uses the reports to identify trends and protect Ohioans.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Track & Soil Removal
Ohio EPA continues to oversee the soil excavation from beneath the tracks at the site of the train derailment. Nineteen hundred feet of rail in one direction has been fully removed, and approximately one half of contaminated soil from beneath the removed line has been excavated. Once contaminated soil is removed, samples of the top layer of soil that remains in the ground are taken and tested by U.S. EPA to ensure that contractors have dug deep enough to remove all hazardous materials. Excavated soil is being stored onsite in a specially lined waste containment area until it can be hauled offsite to a hazardous waste facility.
Soil Removal Odor – Resources Available
Residents in and around the area may notice a smell from the derailment site as contractors excavate contaminated soil from underneath the railroad tracks. The U.S. EPA continues to monitor the air in the community and has also conducted air monitoring tests near the soil excavation area. Although there were no sustained exceedances above health screening levels, some of the contaminants in the soil have a low odor threshold, which means that these contaminants can be smelled at levels much lower than what is considered hazardous.
As a reminder, Norfolk Southern has agreed to provide additional financial assistance to residents of the East Palestine area within a mile of the derailment site. This assistance may include temporary lodging, travel, food, clothing, and other necessities. Residents should call 800-230-7049 (open 24 hours) or visit the Family Assistance Center at Abundant Life Church in New Waterford, Ohio, for more information. Residents can also contact the U.S. EPA at 866-361-0526 for additional guidance about available resources.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 3.2 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 230,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 2.7 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 320,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 2,070 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Approximately 290 tons have been hauled to Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 900 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 440 tons have been shipped to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Approximately 440 tons have been hauled to Heritage Environmental Services in North Roachdale, Indiana to be placed in a landfill.
FEMA Letter
On Friday, Governor DeWine submitted a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a 120-day extension to submit a request for a major disaster declaration.
Governor DeWine announced his intent to file for the extension on February 17, 2023, after determining that the East Palestine disaster did not qualify for traditional FEMA aid. This extension would ensure that East Palestine can receive assistance from FEMA should the derailment qualify for traditional FEMA aid in the future.
Agriculture Meeting
Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge visited East Palestine today to meet with federal, state, and local agricultural partners to discuss farmer impact following the train derailment. Today’s visit comes ahead of a roundtable discussion that will take place later in the week with East Palestine area farmers to address concerns about the upcoming planting season. The meeting will be held on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Education Building in Salem, Ohio. ODA currently has no reason to believe that crops planted in soil in the area of East Palestine are not safe for consumption.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife officers from ODNR continue to monitor the streams in the East Palestine area impacted by the train derailment. In the initial spill, ODNR estimates approximately 38,222 minnows, ranging in size between 1 and 3 inches, were killed. ODNR also estimated the total number of other aquatic life killed as a result of the derailment, including fish, crayfish, amphibians, and macroinvertebrates to be approximately 5,500.
Other than this aquatic life, eleven deceased animals have been submitted to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for evaluation to determine if their deaths were related to the chemical spill. Final necropsy results on a beef calf, three birds, and an opossum show no evidence of chemical toxicity as a cause of death. Preliminary results connected to the deaths of four raccoons, one muskrat, and one snapping turtle show no evidence of chemical toxicity as a cause of death.
Private Well Testing
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Ohio Department of Health, working with the Columbiana County Health District, had received verified laboratory results from 14 additional samples from private water systems as of noon Monday. Five of those wells showed no detectable contaminants. Nine wells had trace detections at levels well below safe drinking-water standards. There is no evidence that any of those trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 170 private systems have been sampled. Of those, test results from 71 samples have been verified, and none have shown any harmful contaminant levels associated with the derailment.
The results can be found on the Columbiana County Health Department site at https://www.columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water system sampled should call 330-849-3919.
Health Assessment Clinic
The Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine now is operating on a walk-in basis. Residents should arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure there is enough time to be served.
This week’s clinic hours are:
Monday – Tuesday: Noon to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. For information, call the Columbiana County Health District at 330-424-0272.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
More Information and Previous Updates: ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine
Joe Lyons •
March 9, 2023
